New Shows Geeks Might Like
by J. Andrews
Dark Angel
Timeslot: Tuesday - 9pm - FOX (Opposite Angel!)
Premise: Genetically engineered kids escape the lab and grow up. Max is one of
these kids. She delivers messages in a post-Pulse world, rides a motorcycle,
and kicks major bad guy butt. She reluctantly works with a rich guy, in a
wheelchair after the first episode, who's a hacker trying to take down the
establishment. Or something like that.
Opinion: The first episode wasn't bad. There were a few cliched elements, but
with enough interesting twists that it didn't come off as a cheap knock-off of
anything. The first episode introduced us to Max and the world around her without
being too heavy-handed about it. It's definitely worth keeping an eye on, even if
it /is/ opposite Angel. That's why VCRs were invented.
Reason to Watch: Kick-butt Chick
Summary: Pretender meets Highlander: The Raven
Battlebots
Timeslot: Wednesday - 10:30pm - Comedy Central (After South Park)
Premise: People build robots in their garages and put them in a ring with
other robots. They try to destroy each other. Two commentators make stupid
commentator comments, Bill Nye inserts his two cents, and a bimbo is there
for sexual innuendo.
Opinion: A very cool show for geeks. Unfortunately, it's tailored towards
/male/ geeks. If you can deal with sexist commentary and too much testosterone,
then it's fun to watch. If the machismo gets too much for you, just watch it
with the sound off.
Reason to Watch: Ladybug bot (Tantoumushi) created and run by a 14-year old
geekgirl.
Summary: Wrestling meets Demolition Derby
Andromeda
Timeslot: Syndicated (Check local listings or gist)
Premise: Captain Dylan Hunt (Kevin Sorbo) and his AI starship are the last survivors
of the Commonwealth. Lots of colorful aliens and wacky humans round out the cast.
Lots of fight scenes to make use of Kevin Sorbo's talents and some outer space
special effects stuff.
Opinion: Interesting. Some unusual aspects to this show that don't make you scream
RIP-OFF, like some of us expected to. There's a fair bit of humor that will
hopefully get better as the show settles into itself. A few characters that you
can really get into liking.
Reason to Watch: Kevin Sorbo wielding a phallic weapon.
Summary: Star Trek as if Tapert and Raimi were at the helm.
The Immortal
Timeslot: Syndicated (Check local listings or gist)
Premise: Lorenzo Lamas is a 400 year old guy who fights demons with a
katana he forged himself. He has a "squire" as old as him who helps him
out and is generally Iolaus and Ritchie-like. They've hooked up with a
scientist chick who created a demon detector. Flashbacks are prominent.
Opinion: Rafe Cain (the main character) is too scruffy. The effects are
silly. The situations are laughable, when they're not supposed to be. This
had better just be a weak start or it won't be worth watching. Still, if
you like Highlander, Forever Knight, and Angel, give this show a try. It
deserves at least that.
Reason to Watch: Evil Japanese chick.
Summary: Highlander meets Angel
Queen of Swords
Timeslot: Syndicated (Check local listings or gist)
Premise: Tessa Alvarado dons the guise of Queen of Swords and fights the
evil alcalde and his henchmen in Spanish-run California. Lucky for her she
has a hidden room at her hacienda. Sound familiar yet? She dresses in
black and wears a black mask made of lace.
Opinion: The executive producer was also responsible for Highlander and
Highlander: The Raven, so expect some good storylines, characters who
change, and other cool stuff. The Queen of Swords is sexy in her outfit
and you have to admire a chick who goes against the conventions of her day
to right wrongs and triumph over evil. (Sorry about that.) In short, very
cool.
Reason to Watch: Sexy chick with a sword!
Summary: Zorro with cleavage.
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